Spend Three Days In Three State Parks On This Weekend Road Trip In Missouri
By Beth Price-Williams|Published April 25, 2022
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Where would you go if you had three days to road trip in Missouri? We have so many amazing destinations throughout the state that it’s hard to pin down the best ones. However, when you’re craving some quiet time among nature, follow this weekend road trip in Missouri that leads to three absolutely breathtaking state parks.
Here are the Google Map directions for this road trip. You can easily customize them, adding your starting address, to meet your needs. Just click on the link to get started.
You could probably spend an entire three days at Echo Bluff State Park in Eminence, which makes it the perfect starting point for our road trip. Measuring just 476 acres, the cozy state park offers a ton to do. Introduce yourself to the park with a hike on its lone trail – the 4.23-mile Painter Ridge Trial is brimming with beauty. However, hiking isn’t the only way to explore the park. Slip a kayak or a canoe into the water for a journey along the Current River Trail, which tallies more than eight miles. Floats, mountain biking, and geocaching are also popular.
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Echo Bluff State Park, 34489 Echo Bluff Dr, Eminence, MO 65466, USA
Echo Bluff State Park is the perfect place to sleep, too, whether you want to a rustic camping adventure or to check into the Echo Bluff State Park Lodge. The charming lodge offers both guest rooms and suites with a full range of amenities – from WiFi to a microwave and a mini fridge. Grab a meal at the Creekside Grill, too. Start planning your visit on the official website of Echo Bluff State Park.
A full day of fun awaits at Meramec State Park, after what’s hopefully been a restful night’s sleep at the campground or the lodge at Echo Bluff State Park. Start your adventure by hiking one of the park’s more than half of a dozen trails that offers spectacular views of bluffs, a spring, and the river. The Meramec River is popular for boating, kayaking, and canoeing and is the perfect way to explore the sprawling state park.
If you time your visit right, you can join a guided tour of Fisher Cave. (Tour fees apply.) Make reservations ahead of time on the park’s website. Enjoy a delicious picnic, and stock up with everything you need at the Fireside Store and Grill. Meramec State Park also features RV and tent camping. Visit the official website of Meramec State Park to plan your visit.
Our final day brings us to Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, home to two wonders – the tallest waterfall in Missouri and the highest point in Missouri. Set off on the 2.9-mile Mina Sauk Falls Trail, which can be a bit challenging due to some rough terrain. However, it leads to the absolutely gorgeous waterfall that tumbles down 132 feet. Follow the Highpoint Trail for stellar views atop the highest point in Missouri.
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, Hwy. CC, Middle Brook, MO 63656, USA
Don’t forget to bring your camera and a picnic along. If you’re up for an old-fashioned camping experience, pitch a tent in the campground. Here’s the official website of Taum Sauk Mountain State Park.
